21-04-2025
Running to Remember as a St. Jude Hero
CHINA SPRING, Texas (FOX 44) — Each new journey begins with a step into the unknown and for China Spring Deputy Superintendent Dr. Kevin Pitts, each new step he takes brings a newfound admiration.
'They put that on the ribbons around the medal just to get to the end is rather impressive,' Pitts said.
Pitts began running in high school, channeling his passion into the thought of competing in marathons as a bucket list goal.
'Someday I thought I would run a marathon,' Pitts said. 'I was very naïve at the idea of how difficult it really is.'
Since running his first marathon in 2019, Pitts has completed three of the now seven World Marathon Majors: Boston, New York and Chicago. On April 27th, Pitts will travel internationally to take part in his fourth, in London.
'You have to be dedicated and you've got to be willing to put in the time and effort that it takes to get through this thing,' Pitts said.
What started as a personal goal gained more responsibility in New York in 2021, when Pitts' purpose for running each race coming into focus as a St. Jude Hero, running to remember the life of Emily Stephens, a China Spring alumni that passed away from brain cancer in 2019.
'A marathon is like life,' Pitts said. 'You have ups and downs throughout the race. When you're going through those things, it makes you think about the struggles that [cancer patients] are burdened with.'
A hero bringing a fellow hero into the spotlight for all to see, with each step he takes.
'Her legacy and the things she did, she was the epitome of what we want a China Spring Cougar to be,' Pitts said.
Five years before her passing, Emily Stephens noticed some of her classmates didn't have the ability to buy dresses or shoes that they needed, tasking herself with the responsibility of changing that.
With the help of donations and China Spring ISD, Emily and her mom, Brenda, founded China Spring Cares in 2013. CSC works with teachers, counselors, churches and social workers to identify China Spring students in need and provide clothing, food, shoes and school supplies to those that can't afford them.
'I had no clue that it would be like this,' Brenda Stephens said. 'It has turned into quite a production.'
Preserving Emily's legacy both through her work in the community and in every race Dr. Pitts runs, even with her watching from above.
'She may be gone physically, but her presence is still here in China Spring Cares,' Pitts said.
'When you lose a child, the one fear you have is that people will, over time, forget about her,' Brenda Stephens said. ' [Dr. Pitts'] running helps honor her even after seven years and that means a whole lot to us. That other people remember her and what she stood for.'
However, as Pitts prepares to represent Emily in a third marathon on Sunday, he brings another angel alongside him.
Beloved China Spring teacher Amy Faulkner passed away from cervical cancer in November of 2024. Pitts while he runs for Emily, he's dedicating this year's race to Faulkner.
'It's been pretty rough,' Pitts said. 'She gave everything she had to the students of China Spring High School. She battled to the very end.'
Stepping up to the task of carrying both Emily and Amy's legacies with each step he takes in the London Marathon.
'As it gets tough, and I know it's going to be brutal during the race, I'm going to think to myself, 'just have to be as tough as Amy Faulkner',' Pitts said. 'It's pretty awesome to be a part of a community that strives for excellence and accepts nothing but.'
With Dr. Pitts not settling for anthing less than the best, just as Emily and Amy would've done.
'I feel their presence and I know they're going to get me through this race,' Pitts said. 'I'm not going to finish this one, I'm going to run this one.'
Pitts and Team EmilyStrong are hoping to become the number one fundraiser out of St. Jude Heroes for the second-straight marathon, raising over $13,000 so far. To help donate to this incredible cause, click this link.
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